Reading Group Discussion Guide:

1. A shocking event occurs at the beginning of the book. How does this affect your reading of the rest of the story? Do you think it’s really necessary to the plot?

2. Female bonds are at the core of the novel and the male characters are merely incidental. Do you agree with this statement?

3. Why do you think the author chose to have Helen living in France? How would the novel have worked if she'd lived in another part of the UK? Or in another country?

4. What role do you think Tom plays within the book?

5. To what extent is this a novel about corruption of both mind and body?

6. What does this novel say about family and “sisterhood”

7. The novel is told by several different voices, Mary, Liz and Helen. What effect does this have on the storytelling process?

Further Reading

BACKPACK – Emily Barr
PERFECT FAMILY – Pam Lewis
SPEAK SOFTLY, SHE CAN HEAR – Pam Lewis
THE SECRET HISTORY – Donna Tartt